Brazilian beauty forced to cover up for Ballon d'Or awards after complaints from Iran over revealing World Cup draw dress
By Daily Mail UK, 22 December 2013
Football fans across the world have suffered a blow after Brazilian model Fernanda Lima says she will cover up for the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in January.
The stunning 36-year-old garnered worldwide fame after hosting the draw for the 2014 World Cup Finals in Costo do Sauipe.
But she has been forced to change her dress style for the awards ceremony in Zurich on January 13 following thousands of complaints from Iranians after TV directors in the Islamic Republic cut the draw broadcast because her appearance was too sexy.
Scroll down to see stunning Fernanda posing for a magazine photoshoot in Brazil
Stealing the show: Brazilian actress Fernanda Lima caused quite a stir after hosting the World Cup draw
Ms Lima said: 'I am sorry for what happened. It was never my intention to offend any country, culture or people, or cause controversy.
'I have learned from this experience and will therefore be very careful in choosing my dress for the Ballon d'Or Gala so all can watch.'
Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo are the three candidates for the prestigous award.
World Cup Draw presenter in racy magazine photoshoot
Stunning: Ms Lima certainly brought a bit of glamour to the event alongside FIFA President Sepp Blatter
Glamorous assistant: Ms Lima helps FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (right) conduct the draw
Distraction: Ms Lima's dress forced Iranian television directors to cut the World Cup draw broadcast